KCWIR: Penguins arrive…what next for KC Zoo?

By Nick Haines | KCPT News October 25, 2013

The most expensive exhibit ever built at the Kansas City Zoo opened today. It’s the new $15 million Helzberg Penguin Plaza.

I was out at the Zoo earlier this week, speaking with Zoo director Randy Wisthoff who gave us a sneak peek at the exhibit’s more than 40 “tuxedo-ed” residents.

Re-opening Maryville

What happens next in the alleged Maryville sex assault case that has captured national and international headlines over the past two weeks? That answer rests in the hands of Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker who this week is named special prosecutor in the case.

It will be her job to re-evaluate the dropped charges against two high school football players who had been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting Daisy Coleman, a then-14-year-old student.

Fate of KCMO School District

The Kansas City Missouri School District loses its bid for state accreditation this week. The Missouri State Board of Education opts not to grant Kansas City’s request for provisional status despite improving test scores. What does this decision mean for the beleaguered school district?

Tenure changes considered

Kansas lawmakers may now consider changes to university tenure rules following a KU Professor’s tweet blaming last month’s fatal shooting at a naval yard in Washington on the NRA.

Journalism professor David Guth tweeted, “The blood is on the hands of the NRA. Next time let it be your sons and daughters. Shame on you. May God damn you”

Kline stripped of law license

The Kansas Supreme Court indefinitely suspends the law license of former Attorney General Phill Kline following allegations of ethical misconduct during his investigation of abortion providers.

Why is it so difficult to execute prisoners in the state of Missouri?

The Missouri Department of Corrections is switching to a new lethal injection drug, less than two weeks after Governor Jay Nixon halted executions until a replacement for propofol was found. The corrections department says in a news release that it will now use pentobarbital. The Death Penalty Information Center says 13 states use that drug for executions.

Streetcar extension plans being drawn up

Even before the first shovel of dirt is turned on downtown’s two-mile streetcar route, planning for the next extensions is shifting into high gear. City Hall is spending millions studying 8 possible routes south of the river and several more north of the river. By November 7th, planners hope to recommend the best 8 to 10 miles for the next streetcar expansion phase with the city council voting on that recommendation, possibly by Thanksgiving.

Meanwhile, streetcar backers are celebrating this week what is believed to be the first development project directly tied to the streetcar line. A Boulder based developer is proposing a 40-50 apartment complex and restaurant space at 19th and Main.